Assessment of Knowledge and Lifestyle Pattern during COVID-19 Pandemic in Al-Qunfudhah’s Locality: In Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose significant challenges to nations. The Saudi Arabia government aimed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through different health strategies and policies that impact the population's health and lifestyle. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of the adult Saudi Arabian people and residents on the Coronavirus pandemic and examine their association with dietary habits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Qunfudhah’s locality   - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 13 September to 15 October.  Data collection was performed using a direct interview using a questionnaire, which was divided, into four sections:  the first section was directed at the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants; the second was dedicated to assessing the individual's knowledge about COVID-19; the third section was designed to assess the lifestyle pattern of COVID-19.  Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). According to the results of data analysis, 400 respondents were included in this study. Knowledge about COVID-19 was high (94 %) among the participants, primarily obtained from the traditional media platforms and social media (71.20%.).  91%   of the respondents have complied with regular usage of precautionary tools, (8%) sometimes, 56.5 % of the respondents experienced a change in food habit during the period of confinement. Food items which presented a higher consumption were:  fish on the top of  the groups  (83.25 %),   followed by anion and orange  (47%) for both , lemon drink   (42.75 %),  potatoes and garlic almost  achieved similar  percentages  (38.25% & 38.75)  respectively,  while milk and milk product came on the bottom of the list (37.75). Medium intake illustrated lettuce, green pepper and carrots were taken by nearly almost one-third of the participants 34% 34% &32%, respectively, followed by meat (31.75%).  Lower intake was   noticed for eggs (29.25%) and lentils (33.5%). Vegetables including pumpkin, broccoli and cauliflower represented low intake by half of the participants (50%) , physical activity and exposure to sunlight were practiced regularly during the lockdown, by (43%), (49.8 %.) respectively. These findings include the Saudis and residential population who have adopted healthier dietary behaviors during the COVID-19 confinement through a closer approach towards the Med Diet-style eating patterns.

The knowledge of eating habits and the practice of physical activity should guide the authorities and educational agencies to propose strategies that could encourage a balanced and healthy diet (MD) and physical activity practice.